Solutions, Truth, and the Courage to Be Real

Pinocchio's nose would grow when he told a lie

BY SALLY LUEHMAN | THE REAL | HEADQUARTERS COACHING

We all say we want truth. We all say we want freedom. But most of us—myself included—spend way too much time censoring ourselves to fit in, to be accepted, to look like we have it all together.

And the irony? We already have all the power we need to change our lives. It’s right between our ears.

You Have the Power—Right Now

When we finally understand that we can choose our thoughts, we get access to an entirely new life. We get to choose our response to the situation. Our energy. Our words. And in that moment—we take our power back.

But here’s the part no one really tells you: It takes humility. And deep, present listening.

Let me tell you about a time I got it wrong.

I was in a conversation that should have been meaningful. Someone was sharing something vulnerable, and I was nodding, “listening”—but in my head, I was already forming my response. Not because I didn’t care. But because I was so focused on saying the right thing next, I completely missed the actual point they were trying to make.

I wasn’t listening to them. I was listening to me, in my own head.

Sound familiar?

How many of us do this every single day?

Why Authenticity Is So Hard—and So Needed

Our insecurities whisper that we need to say the perfect thing, at the perfect time, all the time. We become so focused on looking like we’ve got it all together, we forget how to just be real.

And that’s why connection feels exhausting. Especially in sales, where our financial success depends on being belly-to-belly with real people. People with emotions, stories, and dreams—not just transactions.

If you’re constantly guarding yourself, scripting every move, worrying about how you sound—no wonder you’re drained. Because you’re not being you. You’re being a version of you designed for approval.

The Most Powerful People Are The Most Genuine

Let me introduce you to a man named Michael.

I once helped him sell his house. It was one of the most unique properties I’d ever seen—an old, rundown home with a college-size fridge, no stove, and an electric frypan on the counter. His shelves were packed with jars of home-canned food. His garden? It was alive—wild, untamed, and full of purpose.

He was calm. Patient. A little boring, a little fascinating. But most importantly? He was unapologetically himself.

Michael wasn’t playing the game. He was the game—his own game. And that’s what made him free.

Now, I’m not saying your dream life should be stove-less and full of pickled beets. But I am saying that living on your own terms—with no need to impress anyone—is a form of success most people will never taste.

I Get a Front-Row Seat to the Human Condition

Real estate is a funny job. I step into people’s lives at some of the most stressful or joyful times they’ll ever have. Sometimes selling their home is the solution. Sometimes it’s a reaction to a bigger problem—divorce, debt, death, disappointment.

And I can usually see it. Some people are stuck in the story of the problem. They’re angry. Frustrated. Scared. They can’t think straight.

But others… They pause. They breathe. They ask themselves, What can I do next?

That’s the difference between staying stuck and finding freedom.

Let These Stories Be a Reminder

Next time you find yourself spiraling about a “problem,” get factual. Then get curious.

Ask:

• Is this true?

• What if there’s another way?

• What would one step forward look like?

It feels incredible to help someone see that they have options. It’s one of the greatest gifts of my career—to enter a moment that feels heavy for someone and show them where the doors might be.

I don’t always have the answer. Sometimes the best part is watching them realize they do.

Tools I Use to Help Clients Shift Into Solution Mode

If you’re ready to move from frustration to freedom, here are some tools I rely on—personally and professionally:

✅ “Is it the truth?” – Ask yourself this before reacting. What’s real here, and what’s just a story I’m telling? 

✅ “What if?” thinking – Challenge yourself to imagine new outcomes, not just familiar frustrations. 

✅ CANEI – Continuous And Never-Ending Improvement. Progress over perfection. 

✅ Just One More – The mantra that built my business. One more call. One more step. One more chance.

Final Thought + Call to Action

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to get real with what’s in front of you.

So ask yourself today:

• Is it the truth?

• What if I could?

• Can I do just one more?

If this resonates, share it with someone who needs it. And if you're ready to take ownership of your mindset, your business, or your next move—I'm here for it.

Let’s get to work.

Want More? Subscribe to my podcast [THE REAL] on all the major podcast platforms and follow me on facebook @headquarterscoaching for weekly mindset shifts, sales strategies, and stories from the trenches of real estate and entrepreneurship.

Until next time—be bold, be curious, be REAL.